Lowercase epsilon symbol not being read by JAWS (when MathCAT is not enabled)

[jenmarsala]

Description

When creating math content using Word's Equation Editor, JAWS does not read the lowercase epsilon symbol created with the \epsilon autocorrect code when reading with JAWS' native math support, i.e., MathCAT is NOT enabled. (Note that JAWS does, however, read the epsilon symbol when the \varepsilon autocorrect code is used.) The epsilon symbol is used in mathematics to represent a small quantity; students often first see it in Calculus in epsilon-delta proofs when learning about limits.

Expected Behavior

When typing \epsilon followed by spacebar in Word's equation editor, JAWS should read, "math content epsilon."

Actual Behavior

When typing \epsilon followed by spacebar in Word's equation editor, JAWS reads "math content" but does not read the epsilon symbol. (The symbol does show up correctly visually.)

Note that when typing \varepsilon followed by spacebar, JAWS DOES correctly read, "math content epsilon." (The \varepsilon symbol is a slightly different visual symbol.)

Tested Version Information

Windows OS

OS Version:
-- OS Name: Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise
-- Version: 10.0.19045 Build 19045
-- Locale: United States

Microsoft Word version:
-- Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
-- Version 2410 (Build 18129.20158 Click-to-Run)

JAWS Version:
-- JAWS 2025.2410.106